Springy Booty Shakin' Mix 06

As the cold Winter fades away in this cold town, it is time to turn up the heat. This Spring why not add a bit of "house music" to your iPod.

It will make Spring cleaning that much more fun if you can shake your booty while running a vacuum cleaner.

Cheers!
Tommy

Click here to be taken to hear my iMix at Apple's iTunes site.

Song Name - Artist

Illuminate - Latrice

Givin' It Up (Roger Sanchez Uplifting Club Mix) - Incognito

I like it like this - Roy Davis Jr. & Juan Hoerni

Disco Nights - Rock Freak - G.Q.

Need You Now (Sergio Flores Remix) - Soul Central

Kaboom! - Ursula 1000

Radio Mix - Milk & Sugar

Just Groovin (Classic Roots Mix) - Groove Junkies featuring Solara

Soul On Fire - Latrice

The Mating Game (Blackjoy Remix) - Bitter:Sweet

Feels Good (David Morales Club Mix) - David Morales with Angela Hunte

Rise (ROCAsound House Mix) - Samantha James (My FAV of the Year thus far!!!)

Same Old Scene - Madison Park & Soul Rider

Roadblocks To Equality: Gay Rights

This week I was again reminded of the real America we live.

Last week a group came to Michigan to protest the funeral of an American soldier whose life was cut short by an explosive on foreign soil. This ceremony should have been a moment for the family and friends to reflect but a group led by Westboro Baptist Church’s Rev. Fred Phelps, sent protestors to display signs that proclaimed that this fallen soldier was killed as punishment for America’s tolerance of gays.

What a load of shit.

These folks have nothing better to do than going around stirring up grief stricken communities as they travel from funeral to funeral spreading a gospel of hate.

These are the same folks who have also in the past protested the funerals of those who died of AIDS and Matthew Shepard - the Wyoming student who was brutally beaten to death and then strapped to a wooden fence to bleed and eventually die. The irony of this hateful act on a wooden structure is not lost on this writer. (Phelps is trying to have a memorial built that declares Matthew is in hell.)

As the culture wars heat up it will no doubt become very problematic for gays and lesbians to maneuver though the political system where roadblocks to equality are erected. The Taliban of the Right have found that as they lose the fundraising battle over Pro-Life issues, the discovery of fundraising around anti-gay protesting is a huge cash cow as it attracts record donations.

In Michigan like many states before and many hoping to follow, there are absolutely no rights to protect one’s relationship if you are in a gay relationship.

When Michigan voted to place discrimination against one group of Americans in their State’s Constitution, they were able to remove all relationship rights of gays.

Remember the saying, if it walks like a duck and quacks like a duck then it must be a duck. Well, the Duck is gay relationships and they are very alive and real in this country.

Here is the honest to God truth. Think for one second what it is like to open the paper or tune in the news to witness on a daily basis and hear the constant “gay is bad or wrong for our country.” Now imagine yourself treated this way on a daily basis and the clear vision of the pain a gay person feels in America becomes into view.

Everyday a gay person is reminded of this imbalance by these speakers of hate, or in Michigan’s case, a HUGE chunk of population, who voted to bar gay people from any form of relationship rights including access to basic healthcare or inheritance rights being offered to others in straight relationships.

Now imagine the up hill battle one encounters everyday in the face of such hate.

The pressure is starting to surface as young gay kids are starting to exhibit signs of frustration in a culture of hate we have allowed to be created. If a young gay person were to walk into a church and open fire, I would probably not be surprised.

In a culture that promotes such intolerance, someone will snap. History has a long list of such reactive acts - it is only a matter of time.

But if we see the signs then now is when we all need each other and not be lured into the damning culture of violence that seems to be spreading like a virus. (i.e. One Vet's group member who stood up to the Phelp's clan threatened to use a bat the next time he sees them at a fallen soldier's funeral.)

In my childhood I was treated to daily recitals of the Pledge of Allegiance where the concept of "Liberty and Justice for All" was drummed into my head. At baseball games we are asked to stand up and sing about “the land of the free and home of the brave.”

This continued indoctrination of patriotism has had a profound impact on me as I grew to believe this dream; equality for all was real.

But yet again, as the contemporary headlines proclaim, this is not true.

So in the coming years this battle will heat up. I have gay friends who notified their family and friends they will no longer be attending weddings until gay marriage is legalized. I applaud their stance.

But if this battle is to be won, it is going to take the enlighten ones to turn back the tide of hate and intolerance.

I have lost faith the GOP or the Democrats have any interest in this issue as they have hung gay people out to fight for their own over the past years. The tyranny of the majority needs to discover the soul of equality.

And until we as a nation find it, the Pledge of Allegiance is not worth wiping one’s ass. I am sorry if this lack of respect shocks one, but it usually takes a jolt to wake us from our slumber.

The dream of equality must be made a reality if we are to all be true Americans.

News of Funeral Protest on 3/27/06

Link to the equality rights NOT offered.

A Blogger Pauses - Favorites

Top 20 Favorite Entries of Tommy's Blog

1. Dreamer Begins - Starting Out
2. The Bible Comes Out On Sunper Bowl Sunday - Balls to the Wall Humorous Observation
3. Long Live Pasta! - A cooking entry
4. Next Stop Bethlehem - An Original Story
5. One by One - A DVD Review
6. Koi Dance - New Art
7. What Makes Us Want Friends - One of the most popular entries
8. Mangiamo! - A Review
9. What The F? - James Dobson
10. Yes, Virigina, There Is A Festivus - Holiday Fun
11. Oh My God I Ruined Christmas! - a prank...that worked
12. Finding Brokeback Mountain - reflective thoughts
13. Sowing the Seeds- Where to buy great seeds
14. Change: On The Road Barefoot- Thoughts on new directions
15. Help Wanted: Grand Rapids Food Taster (Ann Coulter) - Taking on the GOP Hate Machine
16. Coulter Blinks - Offering to help the GOP fix their image
17. Sowing awareness - Creative Activism
18. Local Artist Has Good Hair Day! - A Funny
19. Plainfield At Night - A photo entry
20. High Hopes From The Middle - An Update

High Hopes - Email

After viewing my High Hopes for the Middle posting, my good friend Susan sent me the funniest email with a photo attached.

She wrote, "It was a happy morning! Congratulations Tommy...uh didn't quite catch the number on the scale though."

I laughed my ass off at the picture she sent me. I guess there are high hopes for the middle after all.

Susan, you truly are a genius of the Advertising World!

The original photo is posted here.

Book News: Randy Flood

Before I get into my deep, dark past, which includes serving time at a Baptist College, let me quickly mention before the emails begin to fly that while attending this institution of lower learning I met one of my best friends.

Yes, we both went on to complete our education at Calvin College, but my roommate Randy Flood just kept going as he secured his masters.

On Saturday, March 25th many family and friends attended the release party for his new book, Stop Hurting The Woman You Love.

So if you are in the market for a book from a local author who is a gosh darn good guy, then purchase this book from your local bookseller.

Keep it Local First!
( Tommy Allen Creative: Local First member since 2002)

Everything Old Is Here Again

While working for a client on a historical research project, I stumbled on a website that had me puzzled by the facts.

So if you have a few minutes - and all sharp instruments are put away - read over this timeline on the Great Depression.

If you are like me, you will scratch your head wondering if these facts were ripped from today's news headlines.

[ Enjoy? ]

"What goes around....."

Food Notes: Time's Up

As we enter the 10th day past St. Patrick's Day, it is time to start ignoring your local watering hole's Green Beer Special. As the photo to the left attests, let the buyer beware. (click the photo)




"To Every Savings, There Is A Hidden Cost"
(This sounds like the unofficial ad copy for the real Wal-Mart)

New Site, New Look

Finally, I have got it together and am taking it to the internet streets.

While the offical web site will not go live until April 21, the splash page is up and hightlights the current crop of art and services offered by Tommy Allen. The site is being created by Gwen of Plenty Creative.

In the coming month a special invite only Tanglefoot Studio event will be taking place. Please click my new art site link to the right and send a message via the e-link with your desire to be placed on this list.

As always, thank you for your support.

Tommy Allen Fine Art & Portraiture

Updated News: High Hopes On The Middle

If during the last few days one felt I was a bit down about not being able to post images, it was because on Monday - after a long weekend of fun - I stepped on the scale to shocking news on the bathroom scale.

There it was on the Starck design scale in orange LED lights, I have offically hit a weight not experienced since the late 1980's.

The closest I ever got was 169 and then I would crack open three months of celebrating and be right back up over 180.

But this time it was different.

I have to thank my workout buds, Michael and Vince. And while Vince has stopped going - it is a seasonal thing with him - Michael and I still try to hit it 3-5 times a week.

It has been a long road these past few months but the combination of watching what I eat and hitting the gym has paid off. I have even learned to like swimming after years of avoiding it because it was hard.

Truth be told, the more one does it, the better one gets.

Today I celebrate the news with those of you who have been following my progress.

And losing weight is actually good for the economy since now all my jeans do not fit snug anymore. So look at Gap, here I come - Size 33/30, please.

Original Posting on the Gym

Birth Announcement: Four New Babies Born @ UICA

...and all four were adopted!

Watercooler Picture Fun: Don't Be A Dick

Let's get creative today. And I think the best way is to find a way to put FUN back into FUN-da-mentally wrong.

Using the photo below as a guide, I invite you pick out a few things wrong with this picture. Please feel free to join in and post your comments.

And remember, Don't Be A Dick.

Warning: If you get busted by your boss at Alticor for playing this game, you are on your own. But what the hell, your job will be soon departing overseas anyway.

Continued Mess

Hell-Oh

Blogspot cannot seem to help me fix this posting problem as I have spent much time between emails and endless attempts to post photos to my site.

I am hoping for a breakthrough soon or I will just have to find another host.

There is a log jam of images just waiting to be seen, but for now I stand here a top this pile of 1's and 0's.

Not all the news is bad, my good friend, Gwen, has helped me set up my new art site and I should be announcing the arrival of my splash page in a few days. The full site which will feature art and portraiture will go live somewhere April 21.

This blog site should be able to take comments again so post away. If you missed the recent posting, then be sure to visit the Picture Fun entry from a few days ago. I am dying to hear what creative ideas you all come up with for this image.

Sorry for the wait.

Tommy

p.s. For those wondering how I got this image up in the middle of this mess, I uploaded this image a few weeks ago.

Blogger Errors

Hello.

(Imagine a picture here)

I have been having trouble uploaind to Blogger so I am sorry for the lack of content.

Things should be back up and running soon.

All my best,
Tommy

p.s. When I say "Imagine a picture here" what came to mind?

Recommended: Drew Nelson

Ok, it is not what you think.

This is Michigan singer/songwriter Drew Nelson and I after his very intimate performance at Josh Rose's house this past winter.

While at the party, Drew and I got to reconnect briefly. I had met Drew many years prior at an event at One Trick Pony. And I am still captivated by his music after all these years.

On this night he performed many new songs from his newly released CD, Immigrant Son.

The disc is a nice collection of honest tunes that reflects this artist's knack for good lyrics. I really loved hearing Lovely Day performed live at the Rose's house on that cold winter night. (I was with my good friend Mary...she is a huge local music fan.)

It was a terrible snow filled night but people still braved the nasty winter weather to attend what became one of my favorite nights of live music.

As I drove home I could not help thinking more people should open their homes up to live music....Hell, opening your home to any art form is always a good thing.

...just be sure to include a copy of Immigrant Son, too.

Link: Drew Nelson's Website

Coulter Blinks!

Sad news my conservative friends but your offensive forked tongue friend on the far far right is heading south with the other spring breakers this March 16 and will not be stopping by in chilly Grand Rapids.

Ann Coulter, after looking at her schedule, blinked and realized that the Grand Rapids event booked since December 2005 is the same night she is to speak at sunny Florida State University.

But I think we all know the truth. Ann, who hates so much, got wind of the GOP's menu and truth be told despises Bisque as much as liberals!

It is this writer's belief the Kent County GOP also may have blinked.

Over the past few weeks the Grand Rapids Press' readers have discovered their inner Google as they unearthed statements by Ann who encourages patriotic acts of compassionate conservative assassinations and witty language as she omits the word "Arabs" and replaces it with the nation building term "ragheads."

The West has not pissed off the Middle East this much since The Satanic Verses were published.

I seriously doubt our friends in the GOP will be able to get anyone as "entertainingly" offensive as Ann. So in the spirit of bipartisanship I want to help.

Now the logical choice for the GOP would be to bring in a cartoonist with a background of making fun of other races like Ann, but it might be tough since Arab bashing cartoonists are a hot item this spring. (Political Cartoonist is the new black)

But if they want to ensure a fun night and maybe begin to build a bridge rather than blow one up, they should book the Arab Shrine Clowns.

And given the current state of the region who is more fitting than a sad looking downsized clown to entertain the GOP. Pictured here is Willie - the director of the troupe.

So lighten up GOP members, when things are looking down, send in the clowns!




Link: Ann Cancels

Link: Tommy's Original Protest on Ann Coulter

Link: Arab Shrine Clowns



A specal thanks to all who emailed they wanted to be a part of the protest.

Time Travel of the Poet

Sometimes an email can arrive that has the power to take one’s breath away.

I am not talking about an angry ex's email announcing the web site publication of a very compromising photo of you in an very uncompromising position.

No, I am addressing the transformative power of language when after reading the message, one is made silent in the screen's glow.

Somedays my self-esteem get hit a low point and last week was a banner week. But this poem provided just the shot I needed.

So today I want to share a simple little piece that has traveled from the hand of the poet through time and landed in this modern world…via an email.

TO A PUPIL

IS reform needed? is it through you?
The greater the reform needed, the greater the
Personality you need to accomplish it.

You! do you not see how it would serve to have eyes,
blood, complexion, clean and sweet?
Do you not see how it would serve to have such a
body and soul that when you enter the crowd an
atmosphere of desire and command enters with
you, and every one is impress'd with your
Personality?

O the magnet! the flesh over and over!
Go, dear friend, if need be give up all else, and
commence to-day to inure yourself to pluck,
reality, self-esteem, definiteness, elevatedness,
Rest not till you rivet and publish yourself of your
own Personality.

-Walt Whitman

A Place Where Nobody Dared To Go....

They called it

And now, open your eyes and see
What we have made is real

The Xanadu Preservation Society
(What's your guilty pleasure?)

Unique Art Piece by Tommy part of Musical Charity Event for Kids - Today

I know this posting is arriving very late (and it is really my own fault) but better late than never.

The art work above, Tall Tales, is part of a group of other like sculptures to be auctioned off this afternoon at Arts Jam 2006.

All of the artists were given the same form and asked to create works of art out of them. The individual wood blocks rotate on a copper core pole and are presented on a study stand.

My piece is inspired by the cute toys I had as a kid where I would rotate a form to create a twisted narrative.

I start at the top with modern images of four men and wrote tall tales that twist into silly story lines. I used a combination of words and images to create a marriage of both art forms.

This is something I have not employed in my work since the very early 1990's. (My first art show at Son's and Daughter's coffee house featured a few images with text.)

This was a very problematic piece but in the end I am very happy how it turned out. Lord knows how much I struggled and almost quit in the process.

But when the benefactor is kids, I press on. You should see how much I buy from the kids in my neighborhood who shop their wares on my porch. (Heads up: my huge stash of Girl Scout Cookies arrive any day.)

So support a good cause if you are looking to get out of the house today.

From Arts Jam Press Release:
"Don’t miss the fifth annual Arts Jam concert and silent art auction on Sunday, February 26 at St. Cecilia Music Society from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Arts Jam 2006 will be hosted by Grand Rapids Mayor George Heartwell and includes a two-hour concert featuring some of West Michigan’s most talented performers. Acts include, music from Potato Moon, Edye Evans Hyde, Troll for Trout, Freddy DeGennaro, Bill Vits and dance by Laura Armenta. Following the concert, attendees will have a chance to mingle and enjoy a wonderful selection of hearty appetizers and time to peruse some fantastic art. Available this year for silent auction, are wooden sculptures - each one of these four feet tall works of art is unique. The wooden sculptures are being designed using all different types of media by community artists as well as GRPS art teachers and high school art students. Tickets are $20 for adults, $5 for students and $40 for a family (two adults and up to two children, $5 per extra child), and may be purchased at the door. Since its inception in 2002, Arts Jam has become one of Grand Rapids’ premier concert events. In its first four years approximately $45,000 has been raised and given out to Grand Rapids Public Schools art and music teachers in small grants for badly needed classroom supplies. This event helps support art and music for all GRPS students grades K-12. Arts Jam is presented by the GRPS Arts Advocates, a nonprofit organization of parents, teachers and community representatives who work to strengthen the arts in the Grand Rapids Public Schools. Arts Advocates is affiliated with the Student Advancement Foundation, an independent nonprofit organization working to support the schools."

More about Student Advancement Foundation
Link: Arts Jam 2006
See Michael Pfleghaar's piece for the auction here.

One by One: A DVD Review

Last weekend I rented the DVD, The Girl in the Cafe' from HBO Films.

Not knowing exactly what to expect other than this film was written by Richard Curtis, the brilliant writer of Love Actually, I pressed play and sat back for an entertainment ride.

Ride is the right word as this film, while about love, it is about much more than that...or better how far will your love go...you will go to make a difference in another's life.

For those who have seen Love Actually, then one knows Richard is able to weave social commentary into stories that on the surface can come across as a poofter piece.

Who can forget the inspiring press conference scene where the Prime Minister tells the U S President to watch himself. England in the hands this fictious Prime Minister will not allow the U S President to bully them into submission. It felt like he gave the President a Time Out warning.

On The Girl in the Cafe' Richard again takes a shot not just at the U S but at all the nations of making up the G8. The G8 has the power to set the global tone for years to come as they sift through hours of negotiations. But I am getting way ahead of myself here.

I would rather not spoil anything but this is one of the most beautiful examples of how writing can actually have the power to pull our focus and change minds. This film does not have the classic Hollywood scene stealing moment that says, "Look at me and remember me come awards season time!"

All one will find is a small, gentle film that reflects so much life that is like having a mirror to the soul. The reflective quality of this film spills over into the performances giving us the best acting witnessed in a long time.

Because the film's production schedule was not a long one, some of the scenes were shot with a single camera angle. This relaxed unedited approach allows the actors to reveal themselves giving the viewer sense of voyuerism. This intimacy will play out later in the film as one discovers a genuine sense of familarity with the characters.

And this pace allows the characters' story told against the background of the G8 conferance. The film mixes often back and forth from the love story to familar news headlines that the film becomes lifelike.

The intimacy set up in the first part of the film combined with the reality of what is at stake when the G8 assembles equals a powerful payoff at the end of the film.

They could have easily delivered The Girl in the Cafe' to the theaters and have it become the next Lost in Translation. In the end, the director decided the distribution from HBO would get this film out faster...and to more people.

The real beauty in watching this film is at some point in our lives we all have a little of Lawrence (Bill Nighy) and Gina (Kelly Macdonald) in us.

Sure it is only a film, but if a film has the power to inspire, then one by one we might be able to change the world for the better.

Now is not the time to lose focus or become jaded. These are words that even I have trouble swallowing.

Rent. Play. Reply.

Link: The Girl in the Cafe'
Link: Read more about the One Campaign

Sometimes it falls upon a generation to be great.
You can be that generation.
Nelson Mandela, 2005

Spring Sighting

Today would be the time to post a recipe but I find myself too distracted to think in such fashion.

If you remember a few weeks ago I talked about seeds and my great internet supplier.

Today, I am happy to report that the first round of sprouts have appeared.

It is really nice to see fresh green if only in my basement under the grow lights. So this is just a reminder that the time to think green has appeared.

Cheers!

Link: Previous post "Sowing the Seeds"

Question: What moves us to make friends?

This is a strange day but I got to thinking after a series of events involving friends, why do we do make friends?

The events leading up to this was brought on by one friend's depression, another's pointed inquiry in my life, one struggling with work and another who was afraid of the leap our friendships can demand.

I will attempt no witty insight or even try to drum up my inner Hallmark to tug at one's heart.

Rather I will just put it out there.

Today I offer you the chance to place your insightful thoughts, favorite quotes, or even personal stories on my blog .

All I ask is that one does not labor too much with their response. Treat this excersise like we do in art class as a quick 2 minute drawing. Just let your mind wander and your fingers respond. You will be shocked at how honest one can be under these time limits.

One last thing to get the wheels rolling. I was raised in a religious home so it would be fitting that I would have an echo happening today within me. So I will conclude here with a verse.

"A mirror reflects a man's face, but what he is really like is shown by the kind of friends he chooses."
- Proverbs 27:19

(Thank you for stopping by today.)

Photo Credit: Carmen and Michael share a beer on her stoop in Brooklyn. It was one of those magical nights that haughts us as time passes by. I miss Carmen and my other girl, New York.

The Northern (Plainfield) Lights

On the way home from a friend's house late saturday night, the light pollution of the city took on a beautiful form.

Looking out from my back stoop through the artic cold zero degree weather was this amazing display. Most days the site of this much light pollution would make me upset but tonight it was pure poetry in the moisture ladden air. I loved ever second that I could stand to be out in the cold night.

Local Artist Has A Good Hair Day

Yesterday over breakfast, local artist Michael Pfleghaar announced that he was having a good hair day. "I think my hair looks really good today"

(Click)

It also doesn't hurt when on the very same day his sketch blog was updated and given a fresh look by his web design team, Plenty Creative.

It is all good (and looks good, too.) Check out his new site.

Links: Michael Pfleghaar
Plenty Creative
Spring 2006 UICA Class, Michael Pfleghaar - Instructor

Brooklyn Is Coming To Grand Rapids!

Over the next few days Grand Rapids will see a new neighbor appear on the barscape - Brooklyn Beer.

While walking the streets of downtown Grand Rapids (No Jokes Please), I stumbled upon an old friend being held up for all to see by another old friend, Keith Klopic of West Side Beer.

Years ago I met Keith while striving to write comedy 5 days a week at 5:30 AM for WLAV's Morning Show with Denny Schaffer. It was just an internship but it was exciting to work on my improv skills even at such an unfunny time period for most others.

One early morning during the glory days of Pulaski Days when one could have more than one beer and legally drive an automobile back home, Keith and his gang hauled up a keg of beer to the radio station booth. This act really helped kicked off the Polish holiday day festivities at 6 AM and to this kid fresh out of college it was a dream come true.

Beer for breakfast...AND FREE!

Since that time I have had many jobs without breakfast beers on the company time and even more personal weight gains often blamed on beer (and never the 10 pound deluxe nachos with cheese). Beer comes and goes in one’s life but today I was having a moment of nostalgia with Keith as we rapidly caught up to the present moment.

But here was Keith holding up my other long lost friend 0 Brooklyn Beer.

Some folks may say they left their heart in San Francisco but for me there is only one love and I "Heart" New York.

Interesting design point I found out with Keith is that Milton Glaser the graphic artist who brought us the great I "Heart" New York t-shirt design is also the same artist who designed the Brooklyn Beer logo.

As one visits our local favorite watering holes or corner markets, be sure to ask for Brooklyn Beer. Many of the brews that Brooklyn has created will begin to appear throughout the city in the weeks to come.

Pop one (or two) open. And drink responsibly….that means no Miller products - Forgetaboutit! (My buddy Keith would approve.)

Enjoy!

To see the entire collection of beers, visit Brooklyn Beer

Help Wanted: Grand Rapids Food Taster for Ann Coulter.

The other day the Grand Rapids Press did a good thing. They printed my good friend's letter about the venomous Ann Coulter and her impending visit to GR. Most of us just groan when we hear her name used in the same line as our city.

But Dave did something about it. He connected the dots and wrote one of the best letters I have ever seen printed in any newspaper. So today I reprint it here for all to enjoy.

The following was published in The Grand Rapids Press, 2/7/06.

I salute Kent County Republicans for inviting Ann Coulter to speak at their annual Lincoln Day Dinner. Ms. Coulter clearly shares the values of area Republicans. Not to mention her wonderful sense of humor. Just last month, Ms. Coulter joked:
"We need somebody to put rat poisoning in (U.S. Supreme Court) Justice Stevens' creme brulee." She added: "That's a joke, for you in the media."

Now some spoilsports might not see the humor in calling for the murder of government officials. And they might think it's in bad taste to have a speaker who thinks assassination is funny, appearing at an event that supposedly honors the memory of President Lincoln. But it's witticisms like the above that will undoubtedly have the Republican faithful rolling in the aisles.

Local Republican Carol Van Andel has this to say about Ms. Coulter; "...she stands up for what she believes and she doesn't mince any words." (" 'Edgy' speaker brings fire to local event," Press, Jan. 14). That's obviously true. In 2002, Ms. Coulter stated:

"My only regret with Timothy McVeigh is he did not go to the New York Times Building."

Now a lesser person, one more prone to mincing words, might have regretted that Mr. McVeigh was able to vaporize an entire building. Or maybe shed a tear for all those who lost loved ones in a horrific terrorist attack. Not Ms. Coulter.

She has no regret that the attack happened. Ms Coulter's only regret is that it happened to the wrong people, in the wrong city.

In this post-9/11 era, Ms. Coulter is one of the few people brave enough to take a principled stand in favor of detonating truck bombs in New York City. You'd be hard pressed to find a better embodiment of the modern-day Republican Party than Ann Coulter.

DAVID La BOTZ /Grand Rapids

Tommy continues....

Since I am all about protest and being creative in such endevours, if Ann can make such statments directed at the Supreme Court, then I have no problem calling on my fellow citizens to stand on the sidewalks just outside the Amway Grand Plaza service entrance with signs encouraging workers to mess with her meal and in attendance.

Given her track record of making outlandish comments about one group or another, I am sure she has given up the idea of ever eating in public again. If the media picks up just one image of a person with a "Mess With Their Happy Meal" sign, neither will any of those attending this high priced event be happy.

After all she has ruined Justice Steven's freedom to eat out on the town so why not spoil her dining experience as well. This is the party of "an eye for an eye" and what is wrong with a little spit in the bisque. It will be the shot heard around the kitchen. And when the death of dining is written up in the herstory books, they will all blame Ann Coulter.

It is times like these I am proud to be an American, and even prouder when the party of Life invites such a high profile well paid assassin to bless their patrotic event. Praise Jesus, pass the arsenic!

And to those who are feeling the hunger pangs of this massive overseas outsourcing, the new economy of Coulter has opened the employment door with the return of the food taster from the good old days of Kings and Emperors. Warning: if seeking this line of work, be sure to inquire about their health plan benefits.

So in the spirit of Lincoln, I say let's join in the patriotic fun with some good old fashioned lip service. Those with a cold can move to the head off the line.

(Disclaimer: Tommy does not condone the actual behavior of ruining a lovely creamy bisque which can take a chef hours to prepare. I think we as Americans should be free to express our opinions in a civilized fashion and also pursue the fine art of dining without wondering if Ann Couter has entered the kitchen back door with rat poison in hand. I am sure Ann is a fine up-standing person who is really just using her forked tongue to sell comedy....like me but without the millions in the bank. No idiot would really take what either of us seriously, right? I just wonder while at the bookstore I can never find any of her books under humor.)

Mom, I found a Roller Girl! (Can I keep her?)

Ready or not here come the Grand Raggidy Roller Girls!

Last weekend was the big fundraiser for these gals and boy...er...girl, did they put out. The room pressed in close as the Grand Rapids team took the floor in a mini-exhibition round of what the whole fuss is about.

Jackie Daniels is a personal fav but I must admit given my 70's sensitivity Mary Tyler Gore was a strong second.

Be sure to get the skinny on the Roller Girl's upcoming schedule and let's roll.

Link: Grand Raggidy Roller Girls Website

Picture: Tommy in a lock hold with smokin' hot Jackie Daniels.

Super Bowl Fun House Party

Welcome to Coopersville - the site of the Super Bowl XL Party. I really loved the many signs like this one that line the streets. They are so welcoming and are in sync with how open I try to be with my blog.


Since this is an annual all girl event I am just glad to be able to attend. When I entered the house, one woman yelled, "Did you bring the Clam Dip?"

Vic's bottle service could teach New York bars a thing or two about how to provide this feature with real style. You should see how the cap comes off!



Mick has old lady flapping skin under his arms. But if you were dancing around as much as Mick did tonight for an 18 minute mutlimillion set of tired old tunes, then who really cares about grandma skin?


At the end it was time for former roommate werstling and since Shannon and I were the only former roomates in the room we hit the floor. Instead of "Unlce" we had to cry the "I don't know how to quit you" line from Brokeback.

Breaking News: The Bible Comes Out About Gay Super Bowl Clam Dip On Sunday

As you can guess, not all is "right" in the Allen house today.

And since most know that today is Super Bowl Sunday, I am alarmed at the dangerous lifestyle choices some have made and will continue to make today. And for many they are not even aware of these lifestyle choice missteps that could cost one their life and their afterlife as well.

I could not believe it myself but as I was surfing the web someone made a point of informing me that being Gay is wrong. They went on to explain that it wasn't their rule but the rule of the Bible, so "don't hate me." I was informed I should change my ways or risk eternal damnation.

Having grown up in a Christian home, a Christian Church, and attended many Christian Schools with only Christian friends, I believed I was well versed in all things Christian. Since the word Christ is the root of the word so was the idea that all things are built on Christ who liberated us from the Old Testament laws.

Up until today I would just let these types of comments roll off my back. But given the current hysterical state of the country and the rapid rolling back of even simple rights for gays in America, I felt the need to revisit the passage to see what I was missing....and everyone else was talking about.

So I went to the Leviticus 18:22 passage and re-read it. And yes, in my modern translation was the God given text that has been handed down from one man’s hand to another to another to another through no less than a gazillion translations. Who was I to argue with this religious hand-me-down?

But as I read on I became very alarmed at what I was seeing and felt compelled to share with my friends who were about to engage in activities today that could damn their mortal soul.

As men today we will face a morning ritual of shaving and trimming our beard and hairline area. What you will not see today when the new Gillette five blade shaver is revealed during a much hyped Super Bowl commercial is that the Bible states in Leviticus 19:27, "Ye shall not shave the corners of your head round, neither shalt thou mutilate the corners of thy beard."

I wonder if this new shaver will come with a warning label so I do risk cutting my face and potentially cut me off from the glorious afterlife as well because the lubricating strips slide me into a rounded cut? And to think up until today I thought shaving’s only risk was blood. I am just glad they are silent on manscaping down below or a whole lot of those I see at the gym would really be in for heavenly trouble.

Are you thinking of that tailgate spread today? Then one should be very careful when approaching the snack table. In Leviticus 11:10, “And all that have not fins nor scales in the seas, and in the rivers, of all that move in the waters, and of any living animal which is in the waters, they shall be an abomination to you.”

Wow. When I read this breaking Biblical old school news, I am thinking we are not too far off from seeing a bumper sticker campaign of “Mayo + Clams Does Not Equal Dip.” I am sure the folks who brought us those cute red bumpers of "One Man + One Man Does Not Equal Marriage" are already preparing to ship these clam dip saviors now that their previous bummpers have helped Gay Marriage become banned in Michigan. The clam shell even has Hell in it's name.

If one backs up to Leviticus 11:7-8 they will read, "The pig, because he has a split hoof, and is cloven-footed, but doesn't chew the cud, he is unclean to you. Of their flesh shall ye not eat, and their carcass shall ye not touch; they are unclean to you." One can clearly see the huge problem with the very center object of today’s game - the football. Unlike the materials used to create a baseball or basketball, the football is even commonly referred to by its outside wrapping - Pigskin.

Wow, talk about flaunting one's lifestyle in public!

And if that is not enough to make one quiver, think about the blatant act of hosting this event on a Sunday. Traditional this is the day Christians hold as God's day off. (And so should you.)

Well, how long do you think "The Big He" in the sky will look the other way as Super Bowl XL employs hundreds of folks from the players to the $12. beer vendor? B y working today one risks God's lightening bolt strike as he stares down from his great big lazyboy armchair in the sky.

Why? Because in Exodus 35:2 the most damning results wait for those who work today, "Six days shall work be done; but on the seventh day there shall be to you a holy day, a Sabbath of solemn rest to Jehovah: whosoever doeth any work therein shall be put to death."

So as one goes about their Super Bowl plans just know they are not God's plans. Don't hate me for spoiling the clam dip but I did not write the rules. I am just handing them down ...you know, like Moses.

But one should not focus on the negative here since you have been given the good news. I know I sure feel comforted to look out for my fellow humans who have always looked out for me as they made decisions in my best interest...even banning gay marriage.

What we are finally learning as we wade through intelligent designer bumper stickers of hate is we have no choice in these Biblical matters. If Gays have to go, then so does Football, the clam dip and the Sunday labor. You cannot serve two masters in a divided house. We must protect this house...and this house is heavenly.

So in the spirit of making sure we all can gather at the pearly gates, I just need folks to be aware that when one comes tossing out lines about Gays being wrong in the eyes of the Bible, they should have a good laugh at the selective intelligence of the messenger. You see, that same Bible they use as a weapon to fag bash all the time will come back around to bite then in the eternal damnation ass.

You don't believe me? Simply, use this link to see that many of those bashing gays are caring a Bible made of what else.... Pigskin.

Happy Super Bowl Sunday!
(God is watching us from a distance….beware of lightening bolts.)

To read the Bible Online, visit the Online Parallel Bible
Here's an interesting book to buy at your local bookstore or online, Misquoting Jesus : The Story Behind Who Changed the Bible and Why

Sowing Awareness

For years now I have enjoyed working on many exciting projects where we raise funds as we raise awareness. Most times this involves long time spans as committees hammer out the details for an event. And each event has always been memorable and made money for the organization.

But last week I received an email from my friend Rebecca Hoffman of Past Perfect - a historic preservation consulting firm in Grand Rapids. She wrote, "We need a clever idea for fundraising - anything come to mind?"

I was very aware of the intent of the email as she has been working to save a portion of Garfield Park (public park) from being sold off to the Salvation Army who wish to build a Kroc Center. The center, a fitness and community space, would be a multimillion dollar gift to the city. Grand Rapids was selected over about 24 other cities for this gift, who are standing in line in case we screw up. But the deadline to secure this gift is fast approaching and the city is deeply divided on this matter.

The biggest problem has been that while it is a nice gift, it is the wrong location for many folks and for many reasons. Over the past few weeks the players have dug in the trenches for a long fight. The sad thing is the Kroc Center is in danger of being lost due to mishandling of this matter by some folks who have gotten off message. The Kroc Center is good for the community, but the location potentially opens up the real possibility of other public land ending up on the selling block. In a town with deep financial shortfalls, our city's vision is in danger of becoming equally short sited in solving issues of the checkbook.

It was all heading for a showdown this Tuesday. City Commissioners were being hounded by both sides in numerous meetings. Letters splash throughout the public editorial seciton of the newspaper. Even a recent article in the Grand Rapids Press had me wondering if maybe the Garfield Park location would be approved.

So Rebecca's email was asking me to help them and fast since the clock was winding down to Tuesday's showdown vote. I knew it was too little time to do anything traditional but I also understood the promotion of their dialogue was key in this urgent matter. Personally, I did not want to attend another wine and cheese party where a small group write checks. Been there, done that. I wanted real dialogue.

After a few minutes I wrote back, "I really cannot think of anything but this needs to happen fast. All I can think of is more along the lines of a fund raiser / publicity stunt, where neighbors set up a table, OUTSIDE, and just like a bake sale, sell off chunks of sod as people walk by."

"It gets the message out there that this piece of public park land is up for sale by the city and slows down the wheels of the commission who may become fearful of a complete revolt come election time. At the same time your cause make some cash - maybe not a lot of cash but I can guarantee every news media outlet will pick this up."

And they did.

Flash forward 24 hours after the Sod Sale to Friday where at a press conference called by the Salvation Army, they finally admitted that the Kroc family would not want the gift of this center to be placed in a location that would divide, not unite, a community. They were taking Garfield Park off the preferred location list.

So they will attempt to secure an extension to their deadline with the Kroc Foundation as they go back to the other three sites on their wish list. None of the other sites are public parkland or have any protest from the citizens of Grand Rapids.

In the end it is a noble gesture on the part of the Salvation Army to back down and not place it in Garfield Park. I would like to think in some small way, I may have helped make a difference in helping protect a public park.

And in a strange last twist, the Kroc's are the family that made billions off a little restaurant named McDonald's. Are the fitness centers they plan to build in many U.S. cities out of guilt or a true concern of health & fitness? A Big Mac is 560 calories with 270 of them assigned to fat. Hold the French Fries, Ronald!

Discuss amongst yourself.

To read up more on this matter, visit the city of Grand Rapids' information page.

Long Live Pasta!

As promised from time to time I want to share a few good recipes for those who love to entertain with friends.

Last week while at the gym I was moaning how much I missed making & eating fresh pasta.

For those of you just joining us, pasta has gotten a very bad rap over the past years. Many have tried to replace it with all sorts of additives to make it low carb friendly. But one bite of these concoctions and a napkin is quickly produced to expel their results.

Finally, it appears we have had some common sense knocked into our heads or in this case it took a nasty spill on Dr. Atkin's part to wake us all up to reality. Since we are all going to die anyway, let's eat real pasta from time to time in moderation.

Strolling out of the gym on that cold January morning, it was decided that making homemade ravioli would be the best comfort food. As a team effort we set out to create a nice batch of dough, savory fillings and of course a wonderful sauce to pour generously over the creation.

First up, Kristin and Michael were put to work on getting glasses filled and igniting our spirits for the long work ahead of us. To follow are the recipes used to create a wonderful night for all who attended this impromptu affair.


Fresh Pasta Dough
Mix 1 1/2 cups unbleached flour, 1 cup seminola and 1/2 teaspoon of salt in a large bowl. Dump mixture out on a wood surface and form a well in the middle of the flour. After whisking together 3 large eggs, 1 tablespoon of extra eirgin olive oil and 1 tablespoon of water in a bowl, pour mixture into the flour well. Knead the dough for a few minutes, it will become smooth and elastic. Cover the dough and rest for 1/2 hour.


Chicken & Pesto Filling
This one is a hard one to mess up since it really is about working with what you have around the house. I chose chicken since I had a full roasted breast already in the refrigerator. I chopped the breast into 1 inch pieces and placed in a food processor. Hitting pulse a few times it began to break down the chunks. Do not over pulse yet.

Adding to this chicken mixture is a generous helping of pesto, two cloves of garlic, a few pieces of roasted red pepper, extra virgin olive oil and some chopped spinach. Pulse this mixture until it appears the items have broken down to almost a paste like consistancy.

After add about a cup or so of grated parmesean cheese and pulse until it becomes dough like in its shape. If you need more oil, drizzle while pulsing the mixture. Cover and chill until ready to assemble the ravioli.


Sauce di Salerno
Vince really gets the "no frills" style of cooking, so much so that he and I argue often about food. And on many occasions I exclaim, "how can one be this laid back in their approach to cooking and still get anything?" I have learned it is wise not to argue too long with a Sicilian over food much less a tomato sauce?

Below is Vince's recipe for what I have coined as Sauce di Salerno.

1 pound sweet Italian sausage
1/2 large sweet onion, finely minced
2-3 cloves garlic
1 - 28 oz of tomato juice(left over from draining two cans of whole tomatoes)
2 - 15 oz cans of tomato puree
Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO)
kosher salt
fresh ground pepper
basil
oregano

"I began by removing sausage from their casings and place the sausage in a sauce pan on medium heat. As the sausage cooks, break it up into small bits and pieces (basically as small as you can get it without too much work). To get the most out of your sausage you need to let it brown not burn. When the sausage is sufficiently browned, remove from pan and set aside.

Drain off excess fat from pan and then add two tablespoons of EVOO, throw in the minced garlic. Turn heat up to medium high and stir the garlic until it starts to turn brown, then stir in the onions. Cook for a few minutes, then add the cooked sausage and finish cooking onions until transparent.

Pour into this mixture the tomato products and spices to taste. Always remember to go light on spices because the sauce will reduce concentrating their flavor. Place the lid firmly on top and let simmer for at least 1/2 hour. Cooking tomato sauces for too long can make them more acidic, but the meat usually balances this out." - Vince

The rest is quite simple and fun for all in attendance. Using a pasta machine (I like the Atlas), crank out the dough until you can start to see the shadow of your hand under the thin layer of pasta. Place the sheets on the counter, add filling and then cover and cut into the ravioli shapes desired. If you have a lot of pasta to make for your guests, place the fresh ravioli on a tray and put in the freezer until ready to cook up a batch.

Simply when ready drop the ravioli in salted boiling water, cook a few minutes and then serve hot.

And what did the Commissioner do? Besides rolling up her sleeves with her beau Jon to stuff the pasta, she brought the wine and entertained us with stories of her first few weeks on the job at City Hall.

Cheers!
- Tommy

It's All Greek....er..German 2 Me.

Last year a friend of mine started a wonderful blog devoted to exhibiting her images. Over the past few months as I have seen her images be posted at sandig.blogspot.com, I have dropped jaw versus the normal dropping of something else common among internet folks.

Her work is simply refreshing. I really do enjoy what she has to share on her blog. They often say in the art world that someone is a "painter's painter." Well, Sandi is often the object of my admiration. She inspires me.

This month she has been published by a German arts magazine. I am so happy and proud of her.

Please visit her space and then check out her images at http://www.balkon-garten.de/

*Good Job, Sandi! - Tommy

" They Said What? "

As a rule I think it is best if one uses their blog to convey their own words to express oneself.

But recently while on the L.A. Gossip Rag, Defamer, I could not resist taking a junk chunk of text and what they had to say about Steve Jobs of Apple. It seems he is packing much more than just a nice iPod these days.

"If Hollywood really isn’t much more than a constant dick-measuring contest, the strategic mailing address label placement on the cover of the latest BusinessWeek should make anyone think twice before lining up against new Disney Superman Steve Jobs and slapping his manhood down on the table. Subscribers to the magazine might expect that once they peel off the label, they’ll merely uncover the rest of Jobs’ partially obscured leg; in actuality, the sticker actually hides a cartoon of CEO Robert Iger, wearing nothing but a ball gag, a pair of mouse ears, and an expression of terror as he cowers before the man who’ll probably take his job in a couple of years."

Link: Steve Jobs Is Packing More Than An iPod

Sowing The Seeds

A few years ago I read a very mediocre book that I could not put down, All Over Creation. It was not the best book but it raised a lot of questions about what is happening to our crops as genetic creations begin to take hold and corporations begin to file patents on these new varieties.

Yes, life can now secure a patent with the U. S. government.

And while the book did seem to drag on a few hundred pages too long, on the back pages the author listed sources that inspired and supported her research. I was able to glean a few choice bits of knowledge as this work of fiction became a work of horror when one considers the reality behind this novel.

One strong inspiring area was the subject of seeds and the California seed bank of J L Hudson - who over the years has stood up to the big guys by fighting hard to preserve strains of seed as old as time. So I took a chance last year and purchased a round of seeds to place in my garden. I must say I was not disappointed by the amazing crop these seeds produced.

To those who saw my garden last year, you know what I am talking about when I say this seed bank is one of the best in the world since it pulls all it's seeds from the entire planet.

So today I want to feature a low-tech web site one can visit when considering upcoming garden needs this year. Each seed packet is typed by hand adding to the charm and organic nature of the entire experience. This charm was unexpected and wonderful.

I swear the beefsteak Black From Tula tomato is the best you will ever taste....and the most beautiful in color.


Link: J L Hudson Seedsman

Koi Dance by Tommy Allen

Today I want to talk about my art since I am more than just a guy who likes to write.

At the Tanglefoot Open Studio 2005, I debuted a new body of work inspired by the discovery of a beautiful Koi pond in Santa Monica. I find it really amazing this pond resides in the town that inspired one of my earlier water series, That Which Is Left Behind.

If one should have an interest in receiving further information including the current price guide for Koi Dance and other art works currently being offered, please email me at tommyallen@comcast.net

When emailing please include "Koi PDF Request" in the subject line. The studio/gallery image below illustrates the nine individual pieces currently offered in the series.

Text from Koi Dance X Tommy Allen PDF:

This fresh new series is very special on so many levels.

For starters, it keeps me working with the theme of water, which as we advance in this new century is becoming the “new oil” of our generation.

Secondly, the Koi have a long history of reflecting the Daoist legend about the unity of all mankind with nature. It speaks directly to our friendship and our source of happiness. The idea of adding the word dance is a celebration of this union.

Lastly, this series is about new directions in my work. While the distortion often found in my Polaroid work is still there, the continued exploration of landscape of the meditative spirit is still very evident in this new work.

In an attempt to keep this work very special, the Koi Dance series is limited to an edition size of 5. The prices will increase as we advance through the edition.





Link: Tanglefoot Studio